County crop report goes high-tech with app about local agriculture

RIVERSIDE – Who’s growing wine grapes in Riverside County? How have crop values changed over five years? And did county fish farmers actually raise $3.6 million worth of tilapia in 2017?

An innovative, online version of the county Agricultural Commissioner’s annual crop report answers those questions and many more. The new tool pairs geographic information system (GIS) technology with statistical data about crops grown countywide. Maps, tables and other graphics help everyone from farmers to the simply curious understand more about agriculture’s importance in Riverside County. Users can locate crops grown in specific areas, the values of individual crops and more.

Of course, secretive people in some industries might tell you information about their business is none of your beeswax. Not here. Beeswax in 2017? About 36,500 pounds countywide.

Agricultural Commissioner Ruben Arroyo said crop diversity is a key factor in Riverside County’s agricultural strength. The 2017 report covers more than 120 commodities that provide high-quality food to local residents and more than 50 countries.

“The annual report recognizes the growers, shippers, ranchers and other businesses instrumental to local agriculture,” Arroyo said. “But this new tool is an exciting way to graphically tell our county’s agricultural story. It makes the story easier to understand and appreciate.”

Agricultural values in Riverside County eclipsed $1.2 billion in 2017. The annual report details the acreage, production and value of commodities produced by Riverside County farmers on nearly 200,000 acres of production farmland.